PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are facing a critical decision over Lee Zii Jia’s place in the Thomas Cup squad, with former great Datuk Rashid Sidek urging swift action as uncertainty lingers over the shuttler’s fitness.
With the squad submission deadline fast approaching on Friday, Zii Jia’s participation remains in doubt due to an ankle injury that has kept the world No. 83 out of team training.
This has left BAM with little time to finalise their plans for the Finals in Horsens, Denmark from April 24-May 3.
Rashid, a member of Malaysia’s historic 1992 Thomas Cup-winning team, believes clarity is crucial at this stage.
“If things are still uncertain, it would be better for BAM to make the call to replace Zii Jia,” said Rashid.
“We cannot depend too much on one player. The team need to move forward and focus on preparation.”
Rashid added that if Zii Jia is still keen on competing, BAM need to fully evaluate his capability before confirming his name in the squad list.
“It comes down to the player as well. We can’t push or force Zii Jia to compete. He needs to be ready.”
Malaysia’s men’s singles line-up for the Finals is expected to include Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, with Cheam June Wei and Eogene Ewe among the potential replacements should Zii Jia be ruled out.
Both the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup squads are scheduled to undergo an eight-day centralised training camp in Herning before heading to Horsens, but Rashid warned that delays in decision-making could disrupt preparations.
“Whatever the decision, it will come at short notice.
“Whether it’s Zii Jia or the replacements, there won’t be much time left to prepare,” he said.
